Tom Eastman has expressed his delight at today signing a new deal at Colchester United, which will keep him with the U’s beyond this season.

Eastman’s current contract was set to expire at the end of this term, but the ex-Ipswich Town defender put pen to paper on a new deal this lunchtime, extending his stay for the following year, up until the end of the 2015-16 campaign.

“It’s good to get the new contract out of the way early on this season,” enthused Eastman.

“My contract was up at the end of the season, so it’s nice to get it off the plate, so that I can now concentrate on playing football.

“I’m pleased to be still here, at Colchester United, and it’s nice to secure some security for my girlfriend and child.

“I’m a local boy, so I enjoying playing for Colchester,” added centre-half Eastman.